Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
september 2016
The Monthly Review is part of a continuing effort to improve communications about the role of geoscience in policy.
Current and archived monthly reviews are available online.Subscribe to receive the Monthly Review directly.
space
House Subcommittee on Space holds hearing on commercial remote sensing
September 7, 2016
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Space held a hearing on September 7, which assessed how previous legislation has impacted the private sector’s ability to obtain licenses and data for commercial remote sensing purposes.
Witnesses and Members of Congress alike voiced concerns that legislation, such as the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (H.R. 2262), unnecessarily restricts data and extends waiting periods for private remote sensing license applications. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the approval period can last up to 120 days, which puts strain on businesses that have invested in remote sensing technology.
Proponents of the current regulations argue that they are necessary to protect sensitive geospatial data and enhance national security. Opponents, however, argue that the regulations have hampered government’s ability to keep up with the rapidly growing commercial remote sensing industry.
Full Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) insisted that government regulations must be updated to meet today’s needs. He and others argued that restrictive regulatory procedures not only inconvenience license applicants, but also affect the ability of the U.S. to maintain its position as a world leader in remote sensing. Furthermore, they argued that the private sector’s access to remote sensing data will enhance, not hinder, national security by providing additional sources of important information.
NOAA is expected to complete a report on the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act suggesting updates to licensing regulations by November 25, 2016.
Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), House Committee on Science, Space & Technology – Subcommittee on Space, Congress.gov
Senate meets to markup NASA reauthorization bill
September 21, 2016
On September 21, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Committee convened a full committee markup on several bills, including a bill to reauthorize NASA, known as the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2016 (S.3346).
The bill received bipartisan support and was unanimously approved by voice vote. It authorizes $19.508 billion dollars for NASA for fiscal year 2017.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of CST’s Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness, introduced S.3346 on September 15, to reauthorize NASA and minimize any difficulties the agency might encounter during the upcoming presidential transition. The new bill includes language regarding the International Space Station (ISS), future human exploration of Mars, and improved oversight of IT and cybersecurity within the agency.
Sen. Cruz thanked the Committee for their support of S.3346, specifically Section 433 of the bill, which addresses research and diagnoses for ailments associated with long-term space flight, such as cosmic radiation.
Not all Committee Members were in support of every aspect of the bill; Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) expressed concern over a $200 million cut in funding for science, and a $7 million cut for education.
Sources: Congress.gov, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee